Cyclone Vayu: Gujarat is on high alert as Vayu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm
India evacuated hundreds of thousands of people to shelters along the coast in Gujarat as a cyclone gathering intensity over the Arabian Sea is expected to hit land on Thursday. Weather officials said Cyclone Vayu, with wind speeds equivalent to those of a Category 1 hurricane, is set to cross the coast with sustained wind speeds of 145 kph to 155 kph (90 mph to 96 mph), and could gust as high as 170 kph (106 mph). The state government said it had begun moving about 300,000 people from the most vulnerable areas into shelters. A Gujarat official said schools, colleges and anganwadis in the coastal districts would remain shut on June 12 and 13.
"We have started evacuation in coastal districts today morning," a Gujarat disaster management official said on Wednesday. The state's chief minister, Vijay Rupani, has asked India's military and its National Disaster Response Force for help with rescue and relief efforts if the cyclone causes widespread damage and disruption. Home Minister Amit Shah also urged officials to ensure swift restoration of utilities such as power, telecoms and drinking water if they are disrupted by the cyclone.
Gujarat government has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel in the coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. It has advised fishermen against venturing into the sea in the next few days, while ports have been directed to flag a danger signal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned the cyclone could hold up the progress of annual monsoon rains, as the storm drew rain clouds from over the sea. The monsoon was already about a week late in arriving at Kerala on the southern coast this year, and much of the country has broiled in a summer heatwave in recent weeks.
Here are the highlights Of Cyclone Vayu; Heat Wave In Parts Of India:
Cyclone Vayu: 400 flights affected in Mumbai as Cyclone Vayu approaches Gujarat: news agency PTI
Air passengers to and from Mumbai had a tough time Wednesday as nearly 400 flights were affected due to bad weather caused by the cyclone Vayu which hit the neighbouring Gujarat coast, according to an airport official, reported PTI.
The Mumbai airport is one of the busiest in the country handling over 900 aircraft movements daily.
The official said as many as 194 departing flights and 192 arrivals were delayed in the wake of the bad weather due to the cyclone Vayu.
At least two flights were diverted from the city, the official said.
UPDATE On Cyclone Vayu: 70 trains cancelled by railways as Cyclone Vayu nears Gujarat coast
70 trains have been cancelled by the Indian railways as Cyclone Vayu inches closer to the Gujarat coast, reports news agency PTI.
"In addition to this, various safety and security precautions are also being taken by the Western Railway for train passengers of these prone areas under the jurisdiction of WR -- Veraval, Okha, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Bhuj and Gandhidham," the railways said in a latest bulletin, according to PTI.
Cyclone Vayu: Flight operations suspended in Gujarat's Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla
In view of the approaching Cyclone Vayu, Airports Authority of India (AAI) suspended flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight IST today to 12 midnight tomorrow, reported news agency ANI.
Senior management of AAI took stock of the preparedness of airports in Gujarat today through a Video Conference here on Wednesday.
As per the technical circular issued by AAI, this is done keeping safety in mind and in order to minimise damage to the airport infrastructure and to avoid inconvenience to any of stakeholders including passengers.
The Regional Executive Director (Western Region), AAI and all Airport Directors in Gujarat have been advised to be in readiness to handle any exigency occurring out of this natural calamity and to issue appropriate NOTAM action.
Cyclone Vayu: Over 3 lakh evacuated in Gujarat and Union Territory Diu, tweets Amit Shah
As Gujarat and Diu are braving to face "very severe" cyclone Vayu, Home Minister Amit Shah Wednesday said authorities have evacuated about 3.1 lakh people living in the low-lying areas and the NDRF has pre-positioned 52 teams for rescue and relief operations, reported news agency PTI.
Mr Shah also said the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Army and the Air Force units have also been put on standby while aircraft and helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance.
"Gujarat has evacuated about 3 lakh people and Diu has evacuated over 10,000 people from low-lying areas to safer places...(the) MHA is in continuous touch with state govts/UT and central agencies. The NDRF has pre-positioned 52 teams equipped with boats, tree-cutters, telecom equipments etc," Mr Shah tweeted.
Cyclone Vayu: Authorities shifted around 1.60 lakh people on the Gujarat coast to safer places: news agency PTI
Authorities shifted around 1.60 lakh people on the Gujarat coast to safer places, reported PTI.
Cyclone Vayu now around 280 km south of Gujarat coast: news agency PTI
The cyclone is now situated around 280 km south of and is very likely to move nearly northwards and cross Gujarat coast between Dwarka and Veraval as a "very severe cyclonic storm" with wind speeds of 155-165 kmph gusting to 180 kmph around afternoon of Thursday, a release by the Meteorological Centre said, according to news agency PTI.
Cyclone Vayu: Medical teams and facilities at Indian Naval hospital in Mumbai are on standby
Medical teams and facilities at Indian Naval hospital in Mumbai are on standby to handle medical emergencies, reports PTI.
Both the administrations have also been advised for timely evacuation of people from low-lying coastal and vulnerable areas.
Cyclone Vayu: Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chairs meeting of National Crisis Management Committee or NCMC: news agency PTI
Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba Wednesday chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) where preparation for relief and rescue operations were discussed threadbare, reported news agency PTI.
The NCMC meeting took stock of the precautionary measures taken by the Gujarat government and Diu UT administration with a view to ensure that no human life is lost, damage to vital infrastructure is minimised and to ensure early recovery of all essential services post-cyclone landfall, according to PTI.
Cyclone Vayu will continue to be strong for 24 hours after landfall: news agency PTI
Vayu has turned into a "very severe" cyclone and it is expected that its impact will continue to be strong for 24 hours even after the landfall -- between Porbandar and Union territory Diu, the official said, according to news agency PTI.
A cyclone usually becomes weak after its landfall.
Cyclone Vayu to cross Gujarat coast with wind speed of 155-165 kmph, could increase to 180 kmph
Cyclone Vayu is very likely to move nearly northwards and cross Gujarat coast between Dwarka and Veraval as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed 155-165 kmph gusting to 180 kmph around the afternoon of 13th June 2019, tweeted National Disaster Management Authority or NDMA.
BREAKING: Cyclone Vayu: 1.6 lakh people have been evacuated as Cyclone Vayu inches closer: news agency PTI
1.6 lakh people evacuated as Cyclone Vayu inches closer: news agency PTI
Cyclone Vayu turns "very severe", alert sounded in 10 Gujarat districts
An alert has been sounded in 10 districts of Gujarat as Cyclone Vayu has turned "very severe" and its impact is expected to remain strong for 24 hours even after its landfall Thursday, officials said.
As many as 52 teams of the National Disaster Management Relief Force (NDRF), comprising around 45 rescuers each, have been moved to the state, while 10 columns of the Indian Army have been kept on stand-by.
Cyclone Vayu: 65 people evacuated, shifted to shelters from Diu and Gujarat: news agency ANI
65 people were evacuated and shifted to shelters from Diu and Gujarat by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with the help of civil police and civil administration on Wednesday in the wake of Cyclone Vayu, reported news agency ANI.
Western Railways (WR) has also taken various safety and security precautions for train passengers in cyclone-prone areas of Veraval, Okha, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Bhuj and Gandhidham.
Vayu: Railways cancels passenger and mail trains to Gujarat's Veraval, Okha, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Bhuj and Gandhigram
The Do's and Dont's in face of a cyclone
The cyclone is expected to touch Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph on the morning of June 13. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off Gujarat coast during 12-15 June as well as into East-central Arabian Sea and along and off Maharashtra Coast today and into the northeast Arabian Sea from June 12-13. NDRF has mobilised 35 teams in Gujarat and four teams in Diu in coordination with the local administration. Rescue teams of SDRF, Army, Coast Guard, and BSF are also in the readiness.
IMD Has Issued Red Alert
The IMD has issued a red alert in the wake of the cyclonic storm and predicted heavy downpour at several area in Gujarat. "Heavy to very rains is very likely at a few places with extremely heavy falls in districts of Saurashtra -- Junagadh, Amreli, Gir, Somnath -- besides Diu. Heavy to very rains very is likely at a few places in districts of Saurashtra -- Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Dwarka, Bhavnagar," the weather office said. It has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off Gujarat coast from June 13 to 16. An IAF aircraft has landed in Jamnagar with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to carry out humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions in view of the impending cyclone.
With Cyclone Vayu set to make landfall in Gujarat tomorrow, the India Meteorological Department on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning accompanied with gusty wind are likely to occur in the southern districts of the state."It (Vayu) is very likely to move northwards and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speed 140-150 kmph gusting to 165 kmph around the morning of June 13," the IMD said in a statement.
Weather officials said Cyclone Vayu, with wind speeds equivalent to those of a Category 1 hurricane, is set to cross the coast with sustained wind speeds of 145 kph to 155 kph (90 mph to 96 mph), and could gust as high as 170 kph (106 mph). The state government said it had begun moving about 300,000 people from the most vulnerable areas into shelters. A Gujarat official said schools, colleges and anganwadis in the coastal districts would remain shut on June 12 and 13.
The very severe cyclonic storm Vayu is about 290 km west-southwest of Mumbai, IMD said.
Change in Cyclone Vayu's Direction There is a slight change in direction of Cyclone Vayu. It is now moving towards west of Veraval and is likely to make a landfall between Porbandar and Diu along the Gujarat Coast, says India Meteorological Department (IMD).
C-17 aircraft of #IAF got airborne from New Delhi to Arakkonam today. Aircraft will airlift approx 152 NDRF personnel & 8 Tons of load of necessary equipment from Arakkonam to Jamnagar for #HADR mission for the people likely to be affected by the cyclone in Gujarat.
The disaster management unit of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai warned the people against rumours and said, "We request you to not believe in any rumours and dial 1916 when in doubt."
Cyclone Vayu path over the next few days
Cyclone Vayu to hit Gujarat On June 13
Cyclone Vayu to hit Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Diu and Veraval on 13th June early morning
As the cyclone continued to progress towards Saurashtra and Kutch regions of neighbouring Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its severity condition.
The Spokesperson of Navy tweeted, "The eye of the storm shall pass 250 kms due west of Mumbai by 1.30 this afternoon."
Indian Coast Guard has formed Disaster relief teams and kept on immediate notice at Daman, Dahanu Mumbai, MurudJanjira, Ratnagiri, Goa Karwar, Mangalore, Beypore, Vijhinjam & Kochi for immediate response to the impending.
Tourists visiting Dwarka, Somnath, Sasan, Kutch have been advised to leave for safer places by today afternoon.
Mumbai Braces Gusty Winds Deputy Director General of IMD Mumbai, KS Hosalikar has said, "Very severe cyclonic storm Vayu is now 280 km south-southwest of Mumbai. Winds over North Maharashtra coast are very likely to be 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph today. It will be a windy day."
Minimum Temperatures are above 30 Degree Celsius over many parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh
Deputy Director General (DDG), India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai, KS Hosalikar said, "Very severe cyclonic storm Vayu is now at 280 km south-southwest of Mumbai. Winds over North Maharashtra coast are very likely to be 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph today. A windy day."
The National Disaster Management Force has started the process of evacuation in Madhavpur, Porbandar in Gujarat.
In view of Cyclone Vayu heading towards Gujarat coast, Mumbai is likely to experience very windy conditions from afternoon.
Advisory to Fishermen All the fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea in the next few days, while the ports have been directed to flag a danger signal.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said, "Cyclone ' Vayu ' is about to reach Gujarat coast. I appeal to all Congress functionaries of Gujarat to be ready to help in all the areas that come in the way. I pray for the safety and well-being of all the people in the areas affected by the cyclone."
Orange Alert for Goa The onset of Cyclone Vayu will trigger heavy rains in Goa and the Konkan area for the next two days, the IMD said Tuesday. The department has issued the 'orange' warning for Goa in view of the deep depression over East Central and adjoining South East Arabian sea, which has intensified into cyclonic storm.
36 NDRF Teams DeployedIn all, 36 NDRF teams will be deployed for rescue operations. We have also roped in Army, Navy, Coast Guard and BSF units. If needed, we will also take help of Air Force. We have ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadis in the districts which are likely to be hit by the cyclone to remain shut on June 12 and 13, said Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Pankaj Kumar.
As per the weather report, the cyclonic storm Vayu is located around 630 km south of Veraval coast and is "very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm" in next 12 hours and hit the state coast on June 13. Officials said the cyclone is likely to affect Kutch, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwarka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts.
Cyclone Vayu over eastcentral Arabian Sea intensified into very severe cyclonic storm about 420 km west-northwest of Goa, in an early morning update.
Gujarat's Kutch, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwarka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts will likely be affected, said weather department officials. The most severe impact would be felt in Kutch and Saurashtra regions, officials said. Fishermen who ventured into sea have all been called back, an official said.
The Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft lands at Jamnagar with NDRF team.
Heavy Forces Deployed While the government of Gujarat has deployed several teams of NDRF personnel in coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch from Tuesday morning, the Army, the Navy, and the Coast Guard are also put on alert.
Army Teams On AlertChief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday said people living in the coastal belt would be shifted to safer places. As per the latest weather report, the cyclonic storm Vayu is located around 630 km south of Veraval coast and is "very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm" in next 12 hours and hit the state coast on June 13.
Gujarat On High AlertThe entire coastline, starting from Kutch to south Gujarat has been put on "high alert", Mr Rupani told reporters on Tuesday. Authorities are prepping to evacuate close to 3,00,000 people off the western coast, reported news agency Reuters. The state's chief secretary said evacuations would begin starting today.